Landon Donovan won't run for U.S. Soccer presidency - sources

Herculez Gomez explains why he doesn't think Sunil Gulati's position as president of U.S. Soccer is at risk.

Former United States international Landon Donovan has decided not to run for U.S. Soccer Federation president, multiple sources with knowledge of Donovan's thinking have told ESPN FC.

Donovan, 35, was first reported to be contemplating a run by SI.com back on Oct. 18, and sources confirmed to ESPN FC he was mulling over his options.

But sources close to Donovan say that he wants to stay out of the political side and dedicate his time and energy to improving the game at all levels.

So far, seven candidates have officially declared their intentions. They consist of Boston-based attorney Steve Gans, Springfield, Mass.-based businessman Paul Lapointe, former U.S. international Eric Wynalda, current USSF vice president Carlos Cordeiro, former U.S. international Paul Caligiuri, New York-based attorney Mike Winograd, and former U.S. international and NBC Sports broadcaster Kyle Martino.

Sources say Landon Donovan wants to stay away from the political side of soccer in the U.S.

Donovan has long been a respected figure in the game, but his lack of business experience created a gap in his credentials.

He is just a year removed from his playing days. He retired after the end of the 2014 MLS campaign, but came out of retirement midway through the 2016 season, playing the last three months for the LA Galaxy. Donovan opted not to return to the field for the 2017 season.

Since then he has been doing broadcasting work for Fox Sports, while also involving himself in San Diego's MLS expansion bid.

Jeff Carlisle covers MLS and the U.S. national team for ESPN FC. Follow him on Twitter @JeffreyCarlisle.